Practical information

If you have been a victim or witness of a crime, you may have contact with a number of organisations and people who work in the criminal justice system – like the police, courts, and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Crimes committed against someone because of their disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief are hate crimes and should be reported to the police. Find out what emotional and practical support is available.

If you were abused as a child, it's important to know that what happened to you was not your fault. You can get support whether or not the abuse was reported to the police, even if it was a long time ago.

Forced marriage is when you face physical, emotional or psychological pressure to marry. It is against the law to force someone into a marriage or civil partnership, and help is available from the police and support organisations.